Born
in the Bronx New York City to Florence Spellman, a 19-year-old
unwed Jewish mother. He was given to his mother's aunt and
uncle in Chicago to raise. Lillian Spellman Ellison and
Louis Ellison adopted him when he was nine months old. Ellison
did not learn the name of his mother or meet her until he
was 48; the identity of his father is unknown.

Founded
Oracle in 1977, putting up a mere $2000 of his own money.
Took it public in 1986, a day before Microsoft.

Purchased
21 firms for more than $19 billion since the beginning of
2006.

Ellison
is a certified pilot and has owned several unusual aircraft,
including fighter jets.

Still
yearning to win yachting's most prestigious trophy, the
America's Cup. Lost in 2007 to Luna Rossi.